Page 1 - The Islander - February '21

VOL. 26 NO. 2 www.seabreezecommunications.com FEBRUARY 2021

Singer Profile

Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Telethon Meets Goal

To Support Disabled Veterans

By Chrystal D. Rambarath

The COVID-19 pandemic brought our world to a standstill, veterans throughout Florida. This expansion is critical, because
forcing businesses, small and large, to slow or shut down Michael explains, “Florida is home to the third largest population
completely. But while many industries dwindled, the nonprofit of veterans in the United States – more than 1.5 million people.”
organizations that provide basic needs and serve society’s most However, even as the demand for services increased because
vulnerable experienced exponential demand. One local nonprofit, of COVID-19, the pandemic curtailed fundraising efforts. WVRF
Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF), knows this too well. receives no government funding, and depends heavily on the
WVRF was born in 2009 with a simple but noble goal – to goodwill of the public and its flagship fundraising events. Its
support Florida’s disabled veterans by relieving their financial signature event is its annual ball, which, like many large events
strains and facilitating their transition to civilian life. The in 2020, was canceled. This was potentially disastrous for the
organization’s beneficiaries are veterans of conflicts going as organization. “The ball is our largest fundraiser of the year and
far back as World War II. Michael Durkee, an army combat we heavily rely on the funds raised during the ball to help support
veteran, was appointed as executive director in 2016, who says, the disabled veterans here in Florida,” confides Caitlin Cronin,
“I am very grateful to be in a position to help my fellow veterans WVRF staff member.
during their greatest time of need.” Michael, a former community
liaison and board member, grew WVRF’s network to support Singer Profile on page 4

Singer SPotlight fundraiSing event

Gladys Knight And Dana Carvey The Arc Raises

To Headline LIFE’s Virtual Nearly $90,000

27th Annual ‘Lady In Red’ Gala With WILD Pants

Proceeds Benefit “Pups4Patriots” At American Humane
A rc
The
And “Lois’ Food4Kids” At Palm Beach County Food Bank transformed its
annual fundraiser
LIFE’s annual “Lady in Red” Gala adding a 2020 twist.
always attracts the cream of the Southeast Supporters stepped
Florida philanthropic society. Now, its out in their sassiest
27th annual affair has drawn an “empress” slacks for the WILD
and a “president.” Indeed, the one and Pants fundraiser
only Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight, bringing in $89,000.
and the multitalented comedian and actor Traditionally, The
Dana Carvey, renowned for his spot-on Arc recruited men
impressions of President George W. Bush from the community
among others, will headline the event – to model colorful
which will be held virtually due to the pants in an effort
COVID-19 pandemic – on Friday, Feb. 19. to raise money to
support programs
for people with Jessica Gehring
disabilities. This
year, participants of all ages and genders were asked to
make, decorate, or buy tricked-out trousers to battle for the
championship title.
“Much of the world may have paused for the pandemic,
our programs did not. We still had clients and their families

Fundraising Event on page 3
Singer Spotlight on page 6